Saturday, January 22, 2005

The Pope Says, "No, We Haven't Changed Our Minds About the Condom Thing"

It certainly did not take long for the Holy Father to respond to some, ermm, inaccurate comments from Father Juan Antonio Martinez Camino. Reuters reports:

Pope John Paul has stressed that the Roman Catholic Church believes abstinence and fidelity within marriage, and not condoms, are the best way to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The Pope's words, spoken to a new ambassador to the Vatican, took on an added significance being his first direct comment on the controversial topic since a Catholic official in Spain this week appeared to question the Church's stand against condoms.

"The Holy See ... believes prevention through education about the sacredness of life and the correct practice of sexuality, that is chastity and faithfulness, is necessary above all other things in order to prevent this disease responsibly," the 84-year old Pontiff said in a written address.